The song received much airplay worldwide and appeared on the Billboard Top Tracks chart for 14 weeks, peaking at No.
[2] Springsteen originally wrote "Pink Cadillac" as "Love Is a Dangerous Thing" in December 1981; this version was lyrically distinct from the eventual "Pink Cadillac" except for the line "Eve tempted Adam with an apple", which Springsteen decided to make the basis for a more lighthearted lyric.
Springsteen's version of "Pink Cadillac" is often compared to the Peter Gunn theme by Henry Mancini, which it resembles in its main riff and saxophone break.
In 2006, Springsteen appeared on a recording of "Pink Cadillac" by Jerry Lee Lewis on his album Last Man Standing.
According to Cole, "word got back" to her that Springsteen "thought it was very cool that a woman could [sing "Pink Cadillac"] and it would come out so great".
Tony Reed from Melody Maker wrote, "Natalie struts her sassy stuff across a brass arrangement so punchy it runs Two Ton Tony Tubbs a close second, it's got a bottom end that should have the Wayne and Debbie clubs quaking, and an aesthetic mistake of a synth solo which, in kindness, we'll overlook.
Think The Pointer Sisters circa "Neutron Dance", and you'll be on the right lines; a totally professional record her dad would be proud of, perfect MTV fodder, drive time music.
Jerry Lee Lewis covered the song on his 2006 album Last Man Standing with additional vocals by Springsteen himself.
The 2003 album Light of Day: A Tribute to Bruce Springsteen includes a rendition of "Pink Cadillac" by Graham Parker.